President Advocate Duma Boko last night hosted a State Banquet in honour of His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who is in the country for a two-day State Visit.
In welcoming President Ramaphosa and his delegation, President Boko described the occasion as “a celebration of a relationship forged through history, strengthened through solidarity, and sustained by a shared commitment to the advancement of our peoples.” He emphasised that the two countries are bound not only by geography, but also by “common aspirations and deep human connections” rooted in history, culture, and shared regional objectives.
President Ramaphosa, in response, described the visit as “no ordinary State Visit”, but rather “a coming together of brethren from the same family”. He noted that Botswana and South Africa are “born of the same soil and bound together by a shared history”, reiterating the depth of ties between the two nations.
Both leaders reflected on the historic solidarity that defined the region’s struggle for freedom, democracy, and human dignity. President Ramaphosa paid tribute to Botswana for its steadfast support during South Africa’s liberation struggle, acknowledging that Botswana “provided solidarity, support, and refuge to our people during our days of need”.
President Boko highlighted that the contemporary global environment presents shared challenges, including “economic volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, pressures on food, water and energy security, and the escalating impact of climate change”. He stressed that such conditions reinforce the importance of strategic partnerships, noting that “in our unity lies our strength, and in our partnership lies a shared promise for the future”.
The two Heads of State further underscored the importance of the Botswana–South Africa Bi-National Commission as a key platform for advancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, education, transport, and regional integration. Both restated their commitment to expanding economic ties and unlocking new opportunities for inclusive growth and industrial development within the region.
President Ramaphosa also conveyed condolences on the passing of a former President, describing him as “a gentle giant, an illustrious African and a global statesman”.
With the Botswana Police Band serenading the guests with some of the classic covers from both Botswana and South Africa, the State Banquet concluded with a shared reiteration of commitment to peace, prosperity, and strengthened bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of Botswana, South Africa, and the wider African continent.
